TEAM SUZUKI ECSTAR COMPLETE USEFUL BARCELONA TEST

• All three riders testing and comparing new chassis.
• Improvements found in set-up and bike feeling.
• Team looking to Assen with positivity.

Following a hot and difficult Catalan GP, the riders took to the Montmelo Circuit again on Monday morning for an Official IRTA test. After such a strong start to the season, Team SUZUKI ECSTAR were keen to build on the success already achieved this season, and to test new parts and redefine existing ones.

Andrea Iannone used the morning to compare two different chassis, and he was able to set a very fast lap of 1:39.020 early on in the test session, this time stood for most of the day. In total the Italian completed 37 laps and found improved feeling with the bike, and he took positivity from the day in general.

Alex Rins also compared the two different chassis in the morning, as well as trying a new swingarm during the afternoon. He was feeling happy after improving on his feeling with the bike, as well bettering his lap times around the Catalan track. Alex completed 83 laps.

Sylvain Guintoli carried out his usual good work as a Test Rider, and managed to try many new parts and different settings. The Frenchman gave useful feedback to the team and felt that the test had gone very well. Sylvain completed 62 laps.

Ken Kawauchi - Technical Manager
“We tested some new items including the new chassis that we already introduced in Mugello, and we got positive feedback from the riders. We want to say thank you to the riders for helping us today, because they’re obviously tired after the race weekend. We got some good data and we will use it at the next race in Assen.”

Davide Brivio - Team Manager
“I think it’s been a useful test today because we needed to stop and check in more detail the latest reinforced carbon chassis, and Andrea and Alex both liked this chassis. Although the other one also has positive points, so we have to look at the data and make our decisions for Assen. Andrea finished his test at lunch time, but Alex was able to continue, so with him we could compare some other chassis settings, geometry, and other things, which could be very useful for the next races in order to improve our package. Sylvain has helped us a lot too, trying some new electronics and continuing some other testing. We’re looking forward to using the information in the next races.”

Andrea Iannone
“Today we compared chassis, we have had a new one since Mugello, and here we compared the two different ones. During the race weekend it’s always really difficult to do that because we prefer to stay on the standard chassis and focus on the race. But today the plan was to do several comparisons with the chassis, and in the end I think we’ve made a good choice and done a good job during the test. I’m really very happy because I’ve improved my feeling with the bike, especially with the front end. Suzuki always has a great chassis and great base, it’s one of the best things about this team, so it was not about which was better or worse, just about which feeling I prefer. My sights are still set on the top, so we will keep fighting to get there.”

Alex Rins
“For sure it’s been a positive test, we’ve tried a lot of things as well as comparing the old and new carbon chassis. In the afternoon we tried some new swingarms, and in theory everything seems to be going very well. The chassis helps stability when braking, and that’s helpful for me. We improved on our best lap time from the weekend too, and that was important. So in general everything is positive and we’re working well as we go to Assen and the other races, even if the weather is not always good in Holland!”

Sylvain Guintoli
“Today has been great. First of all, to get back on the bike, because yesterday I was so disappointed to go out so early in the race and I was really happy just to get back on and enjoy it again. The testing programme has gone well, we’ve tested some new items such as a new electronics set-ups, and for me it was very good. We found some other successful items too, such as different forks. Everything we tried is going well and that has been great. The bike is feeling really nice now, especially after I went back to longer forks and got better feedback from the front tyre.”